What to put on MH bulb socket to keep from seizing?

skeeter_ca · 05/10/2015, 02:24 AM

I just removed a SE Metal Halide bulb and the base of the bulb stayed in the socket like it was rusted in. I managed to remove the bulb end by twisting the end inward with needle nose pliers. There was no evidence of rust or oxidation and the socket was in good shape. Is there something I should place on the socket, like a lubricant, before installing a new bulb?

SneekaPeek · 05/10/2015, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeter_ca

I just removed a SE Metal Halide bulb and the base of the bulb stayed in the socket like it was rusted in. I managed to remove the bulb end by twisting the end inward with needle nose pliers. There was no evidence of rust or oxidation and the socket was in good shape. Is there something I should place on the socket, like a lubricant, before installing a new bulb?

Noalox should work. Use for extra conductivity as well.

myram · 05/10/2015, 06:25 AM

Maybe try automotive anti-seize......works on spark plugs and exhaust parts which are high heat.

Gatorfan · 05/10/2015, 09:01 AM

Not sure how conductive anti-seize is, but dielectric grease might work.

Coelli · 05/10/2015, 10:20 AM

Noalox is what I'd recommend also - I don't have MH, but I use it on the threads of my vaporizers, which are conductive.

Stolireef · 05/10/2015, 05:19 PM

This is a great question. Can you use Noalox on DE bulbs. I find they also tend to be tough to get in and out. I have the same problem with some of my ceiling flood lights in my house. Have to look this up.

tkeracer619 · 05/11/2015, 12:56 PM

Only thing I would be careful is since these bulbs get hot they may cause whatever you put on them to thin out and run into the water.

Can't say I have ever had this issue before.

Coelli · 05/11/2015, 01:12 PM

With Noalox, you wipe it on and then wipe it off. If there's enough to thin and run, you used too much

05/10/2015, 02:24 AM	#1
skeeter_ca Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,007	What to put on MH bulb socket to keep from seizing? I just removed a SE Metal Halide bulb and the base of the bulb stayed in the socket like it was rusted in. I managed to remove the bulb end by twisting the end inward with needle nose pliers. There was no evidence of rust or oxidation and the socket was in good shape. Is there something I should place on the socket, like a lubricant, before installing a new bulb? __________________ skeeter - It is easier to ask for forgiveness than premission. My motto to my wife. Current Tank Info: 75rr,6"dsb,refugium,auto top-off & semi-auto water changer, OM squirt. 4 MJs 1200, Started on 03/03/06

05/10/2015, 09:01 AM	#4
Gatorfan Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 533	Not sure how conductive anti-seize is, but dielectric grease might work. __________________ 120 gallon, MP20, AquaMaxx Q2, AI SOL Blue(x2) Coral Beauty Angel, Regal Angel, Potters Angel, pair of Occ. Clowns, Tomini Tang. Started 6/9/2012

05/10/2015, 10:20 AM	#5
Coelli Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 1,443	Noalox is what I'd recommend also - I don't have MH, but I use it on the threads of my vaporizers, which are conductive. __________________ "Get a reef tank!" they said. "It'll be relaxing!" they said. 65g mixed reef, 30g display fuge, 20L sump/pod fuge, ATI 4x24 + 2 Kessil A360NEs, Aquamaxx EM100, Gyre 130

05/10/2015, 05:19 PM	#6
Stolireef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 3,180 Blog Entries: 5	This is a great question. Can you use Noalox on DE bulbs. I find they also tend to be tough to get in and out. I have the same problem with some of my ceiling flood lights in my house. Have to look this up. __________________ I want to burn twice as bright and half as long. Oh, and a full tank crash is just an excuse for a new build. Current Tank Info: 125 Rimless Leemar, Apex, Trigger 30 Elite Sump, Vertex 180i Skimmer, 2 X Gen4 Radion XR30W, BM Doser, 2xMP40WES, 2xTunze 6095, Sicce Syncra 4.0.

05/11/2015, 12:56 PM	#7
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Only thing I would be careful is since these bulbs get hot they may cause whatever you put on them to thin out and run into the water. Can't say I have ever had this issue before. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

05/10/2015, 06:25 AM	#3
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	Maybe try automotive anti-seize......works on spark plugs and exhaust parts which are high heat.

05/11/2015, 01:12 PM	#8
Coelli Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 1,443	With Noalox, you wipe it on and then wipe it off. If there's enough to thin and run, you used too much __________________ "Get a reef tank!" they said. "It'll be relaxing!" they said. 65g mixed reef, 30g display fuge, 20L sump/pod fuge, ATI 4x24 + 2 Kessil A360NEs, Aquamaxx EM100, Gyre 130